§ 10-601 Definitions
§ 10-602 Legislative intent
§ 10-603 Application of Sections 10-601 through 10-608
§ 10-604 Abuse or neglect of animal
§ 10-605 Attending dogfights or cockfights
§ 10-606 Aggravated cruelty to animals – In general
§ 10-607 Aggravated cruelty to animals – Certain activities related to dogfights prohibited
§ 10-607.1 Implement of dogfighting
§ 10-608 Aggravated cruelty to animals – Certain activities related to cockfights prohibited
§ 10-609 Arrest by humane society officer
§ 10-610 Animal as prize
§ 10-611 Killing of dog or cat – Prohibited means
§ 10-612 Abandoning domestic animal
§ 10-613 Sale of puppy or kitten
§ 10-614 Transfer or coloring of chick
§ 10-615 Care of mistreated animal
§ 10-615.1 Petition for costs of seizure
§ 10-616 Kennel inspection
§ 10-617 Disposal of domestic animal
§ 10-618 Poisoning dog
§ 10-619 Dangerous dog
§ 10-620 Interference with, injury to, destruction of, or tampering with certain equines
§ 10-621 Import, offer, or transfer of dangerous animal
§ 10-622 Injuring or trapping carrier pigeon
§ 10-623 Leaving dogs outside and unattended by use of restraints
§ 10-624 Unauthorized surgery on dogs
§ 10-625 Unauthorized surgical devocalization of cat or dog
§ 10-625.1 Cat declawing
§ 10-626 Killing, injuring or interfering with a service animal

Have a question?
Click here to chat with a criminal defense lawyer and protect your rights.

Terms Used In Maryland Code > CRIMINAL LAW > Title 10 > Subtitle 6 - Crimes Relating to Animals

  • Appeal: A request made after a trial, asking another court (usually the court of appeals) to decide whether the trial was conducted properly. To make such a request is "to appeal" or "to take an appeal." One who appeals is called the appellant.
  • Arrest: Taking physical custody of a person by lawful authority.
  • certified mail: includes "registered mail"; and

    (3) "registered mail" includes "certified mail". See
  • Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
  • Conviction: A judgement of guilt against a criminal defendant.
  • Corporation: A legal entity owned by the holders of shares of stock that have been issued, and that can own, receive, and transfer property, and carry on business in its own name.
  • Damages: Money paid by defendants to successful plaintiffs in civil cases to compensate the plaintiffs for their injuries.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Discovery: Lawyers' examination, before trial, of facts and documents in possession of the opponents to help the lawyers prepare for trial.
  • Extradition: The formal process of delivering an accused or convicted person from authorities in one state to authorities in another state.
  • Fraud: Intentional deception resulting in injury to another.
  • Jurisdiction: (1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.
  • Lease: A contract transferring the use of property or occupancy of land, space, structures, or equipment in consideration of a payment (e.g., rent). Source: OCC
  • Person: includes an individual, receiver, trustee, guardian, personal representative, fiduciary, representative of any kind, corporation, partnership, business trust, statutory trust, limited liability company, firm, association, or other nongovernmental entity. See
  • Plaintiff: The person who files the complaint in a civil lawsuit.
  • Probable cause: A reasonable ground for belief that the offender violated a specific law.
  • Probation: A sentencing alternative to imprisonment in which the court releases convicted defendants under supervision as long as certain conditions are observed.
  • Real property: Land, and all immovable fixtures erected on, growing on, or affixed to the land.
  • registered mail: include the uses, procedures, and fees of the United States Postal Service;

    (2) "certified mail" includes "registered mail"; and

    (3) "registered mail" includes "certified mail". See
  • Restitution: The court-ordered payment of money by the defendant to the victim for damages caused by the criminal action.